RT Book, Section
A1 Fanta, Christopher H.
A2 Jameson, J. Larry
A2 Fauci, Anthony S.
A2 Kasper, Dennis L.
A2 Hauser, Stephen L.
A2 Longo, Dan L.
A2 Loscalzo, Joseph
SR Print(0)
ID 1155942996
T1 Cough
T2 Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20e
YR 2018
FD 2018
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9781259644016
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1155942996
RD 2024/04/18
AB Cough  performs  an  essential  protective  function  for  human  airways  and  lungs.  Without  an  effective  cough  reflex,  we  are  at  risk  for  retained  airway  secretions  and  aspirated  material  predisposing  to  infection,  atelectasis,  and  respiratory  compromise.  At  the  other  extreme,  excessive  coughing  can  be  exhausting;  can  be  complicated  by  emesis,  syncope,  muscular  pain,  or  rib  fractures;  can  aggravate  low  back  pain,  abdominal  or  inguinal  hernias,  and  urinary  incontinence;  and  can  be  a  major  impediment  to  social  interactions.  Cough  is  often  a  clue  to  the  presence  of  respiratory  disease.  In  many  instances,  cough  is  an  expected  and  accepted  manifestation  of  disease,  as  in  acute  respiratory  tract  infection.  However,  persistent  cough  in  the  absence  of  other  respiratory  symptoms  commonly  causes  patients  to  seek  medical  attention.